Fundraising no obstacle for PR team

Oxford Children’s Hospital will also benefit from the fundraising efforts of a team of public relations staff willing to tackle 10km of punishing obstacles for ill children.

Chesterton-based PR firm CubanEight announced the hospital as its chosen charity for 2017 last month – and they kicked off their campaign with the challenge of a Rough Runner event in Chipping Norton on Saturday.

Inspired by game shows such as Total Wipeout, Takeshi’s Castle, Gladiators and Ninja Warrior, Rough Runner is an obstacle course combining distance running with a variety of obstacles along the way.

CubanEight said it would carry out a variety of activities and fundraising initiatives to raise money and awareness for the charity throughout the year.

Sian Gaskell, managing director and founder, said: “This is the first time we’ve officially selected a charity of the year at CubanEight.

“We’ve done lots for different charities in the past, but this year the team wanted to commit to giving dedicated support year-round.

“We’ve visited the children’s hospital and seen the amazing work that the hospital charity is able to do with donations.

“Some of our team have had personal experiences with the hospital, having people close to them that have benefited from its services. It’s such a vital place for so many people – we are now more motivated than ever to raise as much money as we can.”

All of the funds raised by the
CubanEight team will go towards Oxford Children’s Hospital’s 10th anniversary appeal, which is aiming to raise £2 million during 2017.

Joe Baker, from the hospital charity, said: “Support from local businesses is so important and makes such a difference for our young patients and their families.

“We really enjoyed showing the team around the hospital so they could meet some of our inspirational youngsters and hospital staff.

“We hope this will spur them on when they take part in their challenges.”